How Jay Dhillon Went From an Automotive Technician to a Multi-Unit SpeeDee Franchisee

Since 1980, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service has been known as an early innovator in the quick-lube industry. From its exceptional customer service and high quality maintenance and repair services, the franchise delivers nothing but the best to its customers. Franchisee Jay Dhillon applauds the brand for continuously standing out from other car service companies—which is precisely why he’s thrilled to be growing the brand with his third location in Stockton, California.

**Due to the staggering amount of cars on the road today––more than 136 million in the U.S. alone––a car or two is bound to run into maintenance trouble.

For this reason, it’s vital to have truly exceptional auto services available to drivers—and that’s** SpeeDee. The brand credits its longevity and impressive track record of success to its unflagging commitment to customer service, building long-lasting relationships, fostering brand loyalty and most importantly, cultivating trust among its customers. Of the **159 current SpeeDee locations across the U.

Franchisee background

S.****, Dhillon is the proud owner of soon to be three.

“Owning a SpeeDee is something I’ve always wanted to do because it’s such a well-known brand in California,” said Dhillon.

Prior to joining the SpeeDee franchise, Dhillon earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Modesto Junior College. Once he graduated, Dhillon worked as a technician for Toyota for about 13 years, which helped prepare him for his career as a SpeeDee franchisee.

“The transition from being a car technician to managing my own auto service company was smooth because I know how to fix a car,” said Dhillon. “I had the overall knowledge in my back pocket to successfully run the SpeeDee business.”

Business growth strategy

Dhillon has always been impressed with the top-notch service that SpeeDee has offered, so when the idea of franchising crossed his mind, he knew SpeeDee was the company he wanted to work for. After meeting the franchise team and former SpeeDee Vice President of Operations Dan Zook, Dhillon was convinced that this was the best opportunity for him. In 2016, Dhillon purchased his first SpeeDee in Modesto, California, taking over for the former owner.

“Before I took over the Modesto location, I was developing a strategy around how to make the numbers higher,” said Dhillon. “The goal with my first location was to turn the store around and revamp it. The numbers that my team and I put out surprised everybody.”

Two years later, in June of 2018, Dhillon saw another opportunity to take over a SpeeDee location in Jackson, California and took it. Dhillon has had nothing but success with his two open locations and can’t believe he’s opening a third one soon.

“Both locations are $1 million stores, which is pretty successful in the automotive and oil change industry,” said Dhillon. “I’ve had one success lead me to another, which has made me want to open a third location. I didn’t think I’d end up opening a third location, but here I am.”

Market expansion plans

Because Dhillon has spent the majority of his life in California, he understands the market and the need that California has for SpeeDee. Dhillon believes his third location in Stockton, California will be just as successful as his first two. But, he doesn’t plan on stopping there––Dhillon hopes to open a fourth SpeeDee down the road.

“I think the level of service SpeeDee has provided over the years makes Stockton a prime market,” said Dhillon. “With the success I’m having so far, I feel like I have to open a fourth.”

Thanks to franchisees such as Dhillon, SpeeDee remains one of the leading quick-lube brands for anyone with a vehicle on the road.

The investment level for opening a SpeeDee Oil Change center ranges from $197,305 to $537,970 with a $35,000 franchise fee. SpeeDee offers veterans and first responders a discount on their franchise fee and a substantial royalty rebate for their first two years of business. Candidates should demonstrate financial capability of a minimum $250,000 net worth and $60,000 to $75,000 in liquid assets, per unit developed. To learn more about franchising opportunities with SpeeDee, visit **